Evaluation of Composite Joints in General Aviation (GA) Structures (MSC P1S21-118)

Simple, yet accurate engineering analytical tools will be developed for the evaluation of strength, durability and damage tolerance of composite bonded joints used in General Aviation (GA) structures with due consideration to adherend and adhesive thickness variations used (or present) in such joints. These tools and other available ones will be exercised for typical joint GA joint configurations, materials and lay-ups subjected to representative unidirectional and/or combined loadings. Accuracy and validity of the tools will be investigated via comparison with higher fidelity analyses as well as available experimental data. Effects of thickness variations on the adhesive response (yield stress, ultimate strain) will also be addressed, so that the variations which can be tolerated in practice without any significant influence on joint strength and durability can be determined. Damage tolerance characteristics will be examined by the use of fracture mechanics type approaches and/or stress/strain criterion. Some of the promising tools will be selected for further development in Phase II.